You are here

Man may have been missing in Buttermilk area since July

Inyo County officials are seeking a missing California man whose vehicle may have been parked in the Buttermilk climbing and bouldering area above Bishop since July.

The man, Richard John Malten, 64, is from Oregon House, Calif. He is described as 5’ 8”, 144 pounds, with curly brown hair and brown eyes.

According to the Inyo Register, a missing person’s report was filed last week by Malten's ex-wife.

According to the sheriff’s department, what is believed to be Malten’s 2001 maroon Jeep utility vehicle has been found. It may have been parked in the area, unattended, since July.

The Inyo Register reported that Inyo National Forest officials had noted the vehicle in the McGee Creek area in July, and that Malten "apparently camping" in the area.

The forest service "did recently notice that the Jeep was abandoned — in the same spot Malten was believed to be camping", according to the Oct. 15 Inyo Register story. Shortly after that, the missing person's report was filed.

If you have any information about Malten, or think you might know anything about this issue, call the Inyo County Sheriff at (760) 878-0383.